Reportage: Squadra Abarth & Rally Collection, you don’t know what you see

Passion as the foundation

What began as collecting a few special cars grew, under Moerenhout’s leadership, into a collection of more than 175 vehicles. The basis: a deep love of classics, Italian design and the rugged charm of rallying. Here, the legacy of Carlo Abarth takes center stage. The visionary constructor and tuner left his mark on motorsport history with compact powerhouses that dominated many a race. From the iconic Abarth 595, a small but brave feat, to the roaring Abarth 131 Rally that left its mark on international stages, the collection breathes his legacy. But the Squadra experience goes beyond Abarth alone.

First, Abarth Works Museum

We may be running a little too fast. First, a look back. The first steps of the Squadra Abarth & Rally Collection were taken under the name Abarth Works Museum in a former factory hall in Lier. What was once industrial emptiness was transformed into a place where the smell of metal and oil merged with passion for motor racing. Between the concrete walls, Guy Moerenhout found the space to house and expand his growing collection. The industrial character of the hall immediately gave the collection an authentic atmosphere, as if the cars were ready to drive straight onto the shop floor or the rally course. But it could be better and more beautiful. With the recent opening of the new museum under a new name, Moerenhout is taking the next step and preparing his collection for the next generation.

A museum with life

The Squadra Abarth & Rally Collection is not a static museum. It is a living place where history comes alive. With 5,000 m² of exhibition space, there is more than enough room to show off the cars to their best advantage. Visitors can also see the workshop, where classic cars are carefully restored and where enthusiasts can even tinker with their own classic car. The collection goes beyond steel and rubber. There is an extensive library for those who want to delve deeper into history and educational programs and events are organized to enthuse new generations about the world of motorsports.

More than Abarth

In addition to the core collection, classics from Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Simca, Saab, Lada and Porsche also shine. Each of these makes represents a unique chapter in the history of motorsport and, in particular, that of Abarth. Consider the Lancia Delta Integrale, a symbol of rally dominance in the 1980s and 1990s, or the Fiat 124 Rally, a car that paired pure elegance with brutal performance. Each car in the collection tells a story. The story of technical innovation, of creative minds who pushed the limits of speed and of drivers who immortalized their names on gravel, asphalt and snow. Our highlight? A Lancia 037. But other models also made us hot, such as a pristine Fiat Topolino. There really are gems among them.

Meeting place for enthusiasts

Squadra is more than a museum; it is a meeting place. Car enthusiasts, collectors and the curious find a shared passion there. You can also taste that togetherness in Carlo Caffè, where a glass of Italian wine or a snack makes the conversation about a special engine construction or a legendary rally moment even more appetizing. In addition, Squadra offers all facilities for club days, rally stops and business events.

A dream come true

Guy Moerenhout and his team see it as their mission to pass on the stories and spirit of motorsports. Not only to honor the past, but also to inspire the future. “It’s about keeping knowledge, passion and craftsmanship alive,” Moerenhout says. “That we were able to realize this new museum is a dream come true for us. We hope our visitors are as enthusiastic as we are.”

Location Squadra Abarth & Rally Collection

Address: Industriestraat 1, 2500 Lier

The easiest ways to get there are by car or bicycle, but there are also public transportation connections such as train and bus. From Antwerp, take the E313 motorway towards Hasselt/Luik. Take exit 19 Massenhoven and follow the N14 towards Lier center. Turn right onto the R16, after 850m turn right again into the Hagenbroeksesteenweg. After 500m turn left into the Industriestraat. The Museum is located after 150m on the left. Near the Museum there is ample free parking available, equipped with two double charging stations for electric vehicles and special parking spaces for the disabled.

Opening hours Squadra

Squadra is open year-round from Wednesday through Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the museum is closed. Wednesday through Sunday, the museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. You can walk in until 4 p.m.

What does a ticket cost?

• Adult – Adult – 19 euros
• Children – Enfants – Kids (5-12y) – 10 euros
• Toddler – Tout-petit – Toddler (<5y) – free
• Student – étudiant (12-21y) – 15 euros
• Disabled – Handicapped – Disabled – 15 euros